About Us

Rafael Osona delivers consistent high quality Antiques and Art to discriminating buyers in a selling arena built on decades of solid relationships, confidentiality and personalized service.

The Auction House has set multiple records for prices realized at auction for artwork by Wendell Macy, Ralph Cahoon, Anne Ramsdell Congdon, a Frederick Myrick’s Susan’s Tooth, and exceptional 19th C. scrimshaw, woolies, Nantucket Lightship and Friendship Baskets, ensuring each consignor’s material moves directly into the right hands.

Recognized since 1980 as a premier dealer in 18th – 21st century Antiques and Arts, our family owned, full service auction house conducts more than a dozen unique auctions annually, reaching regional and global buyers. We showcase exceptional decorative and fine arts in every category. Rafael Osona Auctions is an industry leader in material related to Nantucket and the maritime.

Sourced from Nantucket, New England and across the US, August’s celebrated Americana, Fine Art and Marine Auction with illustrated color catalog attracts global connoisseurs of objects rare and prized.

Convenient, fun, and affordable, Rafael’s Marketplace is a 10-day fast paced “brick and mortar” event held in June. It is re-stocked constantly with cash-and-carry offerings for treasure seekers. The Online Marketplace (new in 2014) offers select merchandise for purchase. Private sales and estate sales provide additional venues for buying and selling.

Applying decades of expertise, we evaluate consignments with attention to detail, offering a full range of services for single items, collections and estates; including the “broom sweep” for executors and individuals who need the entire personal property of an estate or real estate liquidated.

For more than 25 years we have practiced “giving back” to ensure a sustainable community on Nantucket. Rafael has contributed his auction skills to benefit various non-profits including A Safe Place, HOSPICE, Nantucket Artists Association, Nantucket Preservation Trust, Nantucket AIDS Network, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Nantucket Boys and Girls Club, Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum and others.

A word about Nantucket

The wealthiest town in America during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with over 100 island-built ships engaged in whaling, trading and concurrently, the China Trade, Nantucket’s maritime heritage contributed significantly to the island’s uniquely rich material culture. The finest American, English, Continental, and Asian decorative arts and furnishings continue to grace her stately homes, bringing significant depth to the outstanding selection of items we offer at auction.

Rafael Osona

A third generation antiquarian, Rafael Osona was born into a family tradition enriched by the decorative arts; surrounded by antiques since childhood. Rafael’s father was a museum conservator of old master paintings. His grandfather, in Spain and later, in Argentina passed down his connoisseurship of antiques and art to both his son and grandson.

Gail Osona

Wife and partner, Gail Osona, joined Rafael in his enthusiasm for antiques while working together at the William Doyle Galleries in New York, mid 1970s. They eventually decided to leave the hustle and bustle of city life, to open their own auction gallery on Nantucket Island in 1980.

Rafael Daniel Osona and Erin Douglas Osona

Rafael and Erin are fourth generation antiquarians, continuing a family tradition of Art and Antiques. The entire Osona family is now involved in every aspect of the business; together shaping a full service auction house that has become an undisputed industry leader.

Carolyn Walsh

A veteran Nantucket gallery owner of 25 years, dealer in contemporary fine and decorative arts, outsider, tribal and indigenous art and artifacts, Carolyn Walsh joined the Osona team in 2004. A marketing specialist and copywriter, Carolyn focuses on web development and weekly produces Rafael Osona’s Auction News.

Ethan Heinonen

A member of the Osona team since 2001, Ethan Heinonen is our year-round Northeast Consignment Coordinator.

Rosemarie Reynolds

From phone bidding to cataloging, web development to advertising, Rose Reynolds, has done it all in the office since 2006 when she joined our team.